Search for missing elderly man in Hamilton continues

As the numbers of searchers looking
for an elderly dementia sufferer missing in Hamilton since
Sunday night grows, Waikato Police say the public can play a
crucial part in helping to find him.

Search Controller,
Constable Ross Moratti of the Waikato Search and Rescue
Squad said a team of 40 Police and Land Search and Rescue
volunteers had searched the grounds of Waikato Hospital
today in conjunction with hospital security staff.

"At the
same time a large team of detectives have been interviewing
people who have reported possible sightings of 70-year-old
Kawhia man Trevor SMITH and reviewed hospital CCTV
footage.

"Mr SMITH was last seen by relatives on the ramp
near the public entrance to Waikato Hospital about 5pm on
Sunday night and both they and Police are very concerned for
his safety."

Mr Moratti said a significant contributor to
the concerns held for Mr SMITH is that he suffers from mild
dementia and diabetes which could add to his sense of
disorientation.

"At this point Police would like to
acknowledge the large number of family members and friends
of Mr SMITH who came over from Kawhia today to assist in the
search in the vicinity of Hamilton Lake and who have
assisted our investigators in providing vital background
information."

"While these searches continue the public
can play their part by keeping an eye out for Mr SMITH and
reporting any sightings. When last seen Mr SMITH was wearing
a distinctive lime green Vodafone Warriors rugby league
jersey, dark blue track-pants, plain white sandshoes and a
grey cap."

In addition to appeals for sightings via the
media, postings have been made by family members and Police
on Facebook pages and this afternoon teams would be
distributing flyers with Mr SMITH'S photograph and a picture
of his distinctive green Warriors jersey.

"Anyone who
believes they have seen, spoken to or interacted with Mr
SMITH in anyway is asked to contact the Police on
111.

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